A-G Siromi Turaga Outlines Plans

Civil Servants could expect to have the retirement age moved from 55 to 60 through the People’s Alliance, National Federation Party and SODELPA Coalition Government.

Also in the to-do list was the removal of contracts of civil servants. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga said they had promised the people of Fiji that certain legislations would be amended while some would be removed.

He said this was because certain legislations did not go through the wider consultation process as any law-making process should go through.

“It basically reflects the view of one political party,” he said.

Mr Turaga also assured that all due processes will be followed as they make these changes in Government.

He said one of their intentions was to change the civil service retirement age to 60.

“I will be working closely with the Ministry that was assigned that particular business and responsibility. They will draft those amendments, present it to us and present it to the cabinet for tabling.”

Civil Servants contract

He said civil service contracts would be removed.

“It has been one of our campaign truths for civil servants’ contracts to go out. But proper processes will have to be followed.

“Civil servants need to feel secure in their employment. Civil servants used to be a privileged position; we are here to serve all Fijians.”

The judiciary

Mr Turaga said he would not be able to make any comments on the first one 100-day plan of restructuring the judiciary until after the first cabinet meeting.

“You may have heard that the Prime Minister has made some public announcement regarding that so we will take it from there. I can’t say anything more until after that.”

Mr Turaga has also assured that the voices of the people through wider consultations will be ensured during law-making processes.

No commitment yet to phase out FICAC

Mr Turaga said there has not been any commitment yet on the phasing out of the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC).

The People’s Alliance party in its first 100-day plan that was released leading up to the 2022 General Elections had outlined the need to phase out FICAC and incorporate its functions to relevant existing agencies.

Mr Turaga assured that every cabinet decision would be subject to due processes.

“But for now, we will not make any announcements as I had said. Maybe after the first cabinet meeting then I would be able to comment on that,” Mr Turaga said.

“I know FICAC is under my portfolio, but I can’t make that commitment now. I will be able to do so as we go further.”